NAU storms past New Mexico Highlands
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Case Cookus threw three touchdowns Saturday to lead Northern Arizona to a 41-5 win over New Mexico Highlands.
Cookus, who completed 17 of his 24 passes for 296 yards, threw TD strikes to Alex Holmes, Emmanuel Butler and Kendyl Taylor. Holmes finished with 116 yards on six catches.
The Lumberjacks are 2-0 to start a season for the first time since 2001.
"We pride ourselves in finishing and dominating positions," Holmes said. "You always like to see guys cutting back and defenders not seeing it. We were able to see that tonight and we love those opportunities."
Ryan Hawkins kicked a 34-yard field goal and Corbin Jountti punched in a touchdown from a yard out shortly before the half to push the Lumberjacks to a 2-0 season start for the first time since 2001 despite going scoreless in the second half.
Highlands, a Division II team, avoided the shutout with Luke Jones' 21-yard field goal midway through the third quarter. The Cowboys added a safety in the fourth quarter.
"New Mexico Highlands has some good players," NAU coach Jerome Souers said. "At times tonight we played really well, and at other times weaknesses were exposed. We have one more game to make adjustments before we start conference play."
The Lumberjacks piled up 396 total yards, all but 100 of them in the air, while holding the Cowboys to just 104 yards overall.
